Specimen Requirements

Note: A more sensitive test is recommended for detection of this organism, Bordetella pertussis and Bordetella parapertussis  Molecular Detection PCR, performed at Mayo Medical Laboratories, test 80910. 

Collect specimens for culture as follows (note there is a 10-day incubation):

1. Aseptically collect specimen from nasopharyngeal washing and immediately place in a Charcoal Media Transport Kit.
2. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), specimen source, and date and time of collection.
3. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only.
Note: 1. Specimen source is required.

2. Nasopharyngeal washing collected in sterile container is also acceptable. Nasopharyngeal washing is stable for 1 hour in sterile container.